A bridging director has successfully completed a 125-mile endurance canoe event, raising £4,500 for The Playbarn Project charity.

Keith Aldridge, Principal of Capital Bridging Finance, made his way from Devizes to Westminster as part of the International Canoe Marathon during the Easter Break.

The event, which began in the mid-1940s, is one of the country’s most demanding open entrance endurance events, consisting of a 125-mile trek by kayak or canoe to Westminster along the Kennet & Avon Canal and the River Thames.

Keith completed the mammoth course in 25 hours, well within his target time of 30 hours, without any breaks or leaving his boat.

In preparation, Keith had been training for the past few months, getting out onto the water at 6am and paddling through a strict training regime, even giving up alcohol for the duration.

All funds raised as part of Keith’s participation in the event will be donated to his chosen charity, The Playbarn Project, which aims to improve and speed up leukaemia treatment for children. They are currently aiming to set up a unit complete with therapy rooms, to aid rehabilitation through soft and interactive play.

Speaking about his undertaking, Keith said: “It sounded like a great idea at the time and, just as the DW race was founded, my involvement resulted from a challenge among mates in the pub one evening!

“That being said, although I have experienced some harsh training sessions out on the water over recent months I am really looking forward to taking part and, more important, that first glass of wine after the race! Not only will it be well earned but, of course, a very worthy cause will benefit from my efforts.”

For more information about The Playbarn Project, please visit https://www.theplaybarnproject.co.uk